Kyoto: Yamamoto Ryokan & Sanjusangendo — Guide Masaki
November, 2024
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:30 Yamamoto Ryokan
- 8:50-9:20 Fushimi Inari
- 10:00-10:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
- 10:40-11:10 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- 11:40-12:10 Nijo Castle
- 12:30-13:20 Lunch (Tendan Saiin Branch)
- 13:45-14:15 Sanjusangendo
- 14:30 Yamamoto Ryokan
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Yamamoto Ryokan at 8:30, Fushimi Inari at 8:50, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path at 10:00, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) at 10:40, Nijo Castle at 11:40, Sanjusangendo at 13:45 and Yamamoto Ryokan at 14:30.
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. The original itinerary was Hotel → Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple → Kinkaku-ji → Nijo Castle → lunch → Fushimi Inari → Hotel, but since heavy downpours were expected from around noon into the afternoon, I rearranged the plan to Hotel → Fushimi Inari → Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Kinkaku-ji → Nijo Castle → lunch (a yakiniku restaurant) → Sanjusangen-do → Hotel. This rearrangement worked out very well, as we were able to spend the heaviest rain during lunch, in the car, and at Sanjusangen-do, and the guests were very grateful. The guests were very quiet and not talkative, but they responded to all of the guide's usual jokes. Lunch was their first yakiniku experience. The tenderness of the wagyu beef and the style of grilling the meat on a net right in front of them seemed very unique to them, and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through…
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through Kyoto the day after we arrived. It was a wonderful experience, learning both about the culture and the hidden gems. He shared the details of each temple that he took us to, as well as took us through streets that showed the different styles of the Japanese culture the best part was that he was very communicative prior to and after our tour. He was so on top of everything that he made reservations at a specific restaurant during our tour, based on our interests, so that we do not waste time. It was an area that we would not be able to find on our own, obviously. He also changed some of the areas we were going to tour, based on our sons interest. That was actually the best part for our son, as he was able to experience archery.
The best part is that Masaki is so kind and considerate that there was a typhoon coming through Tokyo during our stay. He knew we were going to be traveling there after Kyoto and he made sure to update us with the train schedules and the storm details. We could not have asked for a better guide through Kyoto. I wish we could utilize his expertise in Tokyo…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!
Absolutely perfect for getting the most out of a single day in Kyoto. Masaki-san is an excellent tour guide. He communicated well by WhatsApp to set up our plans so we could see everything we wanted. He kindly adjusted our start time after our travel plans were delayed. He figured out the best way to adjust our tour when we spent too long admiring a few places! And he took us to the most amazing local type place for lunch. Overall it was beyond our expectations and we truly are grateful and thankful to Masaki-San for our truly perfect day!
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient…
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient guide for our first visit to Kyoto. He explained the significance of the castle and temples we visited, pointing out parts he felt were most interesting. He also went out of his way to help us figure out our bullet train tickets for our return.
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San. Masaki San helped us plan the itinerary
and customized it for us. We had a good mix of temples and sights and shopping. Kyoto has
amazing history and sights and temples. We will definitely be back to spend more time.